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In 1957, the Lotus Company owned by Colin Chapman was on the verge of bankruptcy. The success of the Elan is one of the main reasons Lotus is now a successful corporation. The lightweight fiberglass body fitted to a steel backbone chassis provided excellent performance and amazing handling. Mr. Ron Hickman was the designer of Elan and a former employee of the Ford Corporation.
The Elan was available in coupe and hardtop form. The S2 version was introduced in 1964 and came equipped with larger brakes and an updated interior. The S3 version followed a year later and in 1968 came the S4. In 1967 the car was stretched to accommodate a back seat.
The Elan is credited as being the world's first production car to feature body-molded bumpers.
Production ended in 1973.
The Elan was available in coupe and hardtop form. The S2 version was introduced in 1964 and came equipped with larger brakes and an updated interior. The S3 version followed a year later and in 1968 came the S4. In 1967 the car was stretched to accommodate a back seat.
The Elan is credited as being the world's first production car to feature body-molded bumpers.
Production ended in 1973.
1963 Lotus Elan |
|
| Year | 1963 |
| Make | Lotus |
| Model | Elan |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Body / Chassis | Fiberglass |
| Production Years for Series | 1962 - 1975 |
| Price | $4,190.00 |
| Weight | 1520 lbs | 689.5 kg |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 7.1 seconds. |
| 1/4 Mile | 15.7 seconds. |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | 193.1 km/h (estimated) Similar top speeds |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | I |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine | Lotus-Ford |
| Solid valve lifters | |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 1558.00 cc | 95.1 cu in. | 1.6 L. |
| Valves | 8 valves. 2 valves per cylinder. |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Horsepower | 105.00 HP (77.3 KW) @ 5500.00 RPM |
| Torque | 108.00 Ft-Lbs (146.4 NM) @ 4000.00 RPM |
| HP to Weight Ratio | 14.5 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) |
| HP / Liter | 65.6 BHP / Liter |
| Compression Ratio | 9.50:1 |
| Main Bearings | 5 |
| Fuel Feed | Carburetor |
| 2 twin choke Weber 40DCOE carburetors | |
| Block | Cast-iron |
| Head | Aluminum |
| Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight | |
| Gear Ratios | |
| 1st Gear | 2.971:1 |
| 2nd Gear | 2.009:1 |
| 3rd Gear | 1.395:1 |
| 4th Gear | 1.00:1 |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 4 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Close-ratio gears | |
| Final Drive | 4.55:1 |
| View Specifications |
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| Add Review |
| Lotus History |
| Manufacturer Website |
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| 1969 Elan |
| 1966 Elan |
| 1965 Elan S2 |
| 1964 Elan |
| Vehicle Spotlight | ||
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